Ex-LLHS Tiger standout Bryce Santana pursues NFL dream

Bryce Santana is giving it a shot — giving it all.

The end of the University of New Mexico football season on Nov. 30 also ended college eligibility for Santana, a 2020 Los Lunas High School graduate.

With the desire still burning to play football, Santana has formally declared for the National Football League draft.

“Ever since I knew what football was, I knew I wanted to be in the NFL,” said Santana, who was a defensive lineman for the Lobos. “I’ve been dreaming about this since I was a little kid. It’s kind of crazy that I’m, possibly, living my childhood dream.”

Entering the NFL draft for the life-long Dallas Cowboys fan doesn’t guarantee that Santana will be selected. There is a lot of work to be done, but Santana is laying the groundwork.

He’s represented by Gridiron Crew Agency and trained by former New Mexico defensive line coach Jerome Haywood in preparation for UNM’s pro day.

“I’ve got to have a great pro day to have a good chance to get drafted or get picked up as a free agent,” he said.

Santana has consistently been a Mountain West Conference All-Academic selection, earning a degree in business administration, and is one semester away from a master’s degree in business.

In his final UNM season, Santana was recognized for his efforts on the field, too, named Honorable Mention All-Conference.

Santana registered 32 tackles for UNM, with eight starts. His statistics may not be eye-popping, but Santana’s coaches believe in him.

“They say I have a really good shot to at least get an opportunity,” Santana said. “That’s all I really want.”

Santana is quick to mention the coaches who have guided him along the way, including Jeremy Maupin at LLHS, former Lobos’ defensive line coach Donte Wilkins and ex-UNM head coach Bronco Mendenhall.

“All of them have helped me get where I’m at,” he said.

At 6-foot, 2-inches tall, 301 pounds, Santana is projected as a nose tackle or a defensive tackle.

“It’s definitely not for the weak minded,” said Santana about playing in the trenches. “There’s so much going on. You’re getting lots of contact every single play. I love it.”

Between now and the NFL draft, starting April 24, Santana has plenty on his plate.

“At that point, it’s up to me — there is still so much on the line. It’s not hard to be motivated right now.”

No doubt, an adventure Santana is embracing.

“It’s going to be a crazy experience,” he said. “I’ve just got to go along for the ride.”